I had a 9800se before another of the remaining pipes decided to go all on its own. It performed a bit better than the 9600, but not noticeably. My friend got the same card at the same time and it worked fine as a 9800 proper. Damn him. The AIW stuff was useful enough though.

I have an x700 Pro at the moment and it's rather long in the tooth. I really wouldn't buy anything from the 9xxx generation anymore (unless you get it second hand for pennies). AGP cards are a total rip off, even if you can find them. I'd just screw it all and buy a console until you can get hold of a proper new machine once DX10 is well and truely rolled out.